Hasn't happened since we went all tile.As far as price, I look for the best closeout I can find where they have the quantity I need and the same die lot and normally a beige colored tile to go with the other materials below.We use the same paint in all of our properties, Ultra Hide from Home Depot in an Antique White, I think it is 75 or so for a five gallon pail.

I buy the gallon and a half jug of home defense at home depot. 

I guess if you own a 4-plex or larger you are charged per 1000 gallon, 2-3 plex has the choice of metered or set.

The only one that comes from a paint store will run probably $60-70 a gallon.  

A "side effect" is that you can often charge a little more rent next tenant because you know it only uses 400 gallons of oil each year vs. the 550 it used to use. 

I included in the lease the tenant is responsible for water, included a sample calculation .. gallons x $/gallon, and stated they were to include with monthly rent.

Aquariums must be in new condition and less than 3 gallons. p.Most cats and dogs will urinate on carpets regardless of how much the Tenant claims they are housebroken.

Their crews often create a ton of debris but aren't used to removing it, even when the removal was included in the quote (even if it's only one or two 30 gallon contractor trash bags).

I have seen something that you also have to watch out for when buying.Checking of the city and county is on old water and sewer systems.They could have deferred maintenance for decades and are looking to up average charges for usage rates by volume and gallons used.Some places I have seen go up by 40% in 5 years.The investors I talk to believe more than anything the rising utilities can eat away most of their future returns.Yes you can bill the tenants for the difference of overage used.Some will pay and others simply won't and you have to decide to evict them over a few dollars or eat it and keep from high costs of turning the unit again.It's a tough situation.Forget one house but imagine a large complex dealing with an issue like that.I see it a lot and is why the price has to be really good to compensate for it.

Do you have a larger boiler and how many gallons does your hot water tank hold?